TEN YEARS AGO AT GREEN MOUNTAIN WIRELESS     
Compiled by Jeff Freeman N1YTY

About a half year following the attacks of Sept. 11 (9/11/01) Bob DeVarney WE1U (then Section Manager) was noting that the Vt. Health Dept., the VT. Hospital Associations member hospitals, the American Red Cross and others were requesting our resource availability and were then looking to Amateur Radio Operators. Thus both ARES (more locally) and RACES (state level) have received much more attention in recent years. Having found in no uncertain terms that the Waterbury State Office campus is built on a flood plain the awareness of Vermont-style disasters got a fresh view. At the end of Bob DeVarneys article there was a note John N1HLG-SK and Albert W1AJP-SK (GMWS VP) calling for those interested in getting into emergency communication. Some have done this. Editor of KK, Deb Clark NN1C-SK, was taking a leadership role in this as well.

We were then anticipating another Winter Hamfest then in Milton in February 2002. Later we adjusted to moving to Colchester (closer) and now HamCon goes to Burlington at the Holiday Inn (even closer). Mitch W1SJ, organizer of HamCon, is best known for his intensive contesting, his ham classes that people pay for because they have limited time and schedule might allow just one day and the all-VT ham directory.

As it was then a new experience perhaps our recent New Hams will have their first February HamCon experience in 2012.

Compiled by Jeff Freeman N1YTY

---

GMWS ARES Monday Night Net Control Schedule

The GMWS ARES Net is held Monday evenings starting at 7:30 PM on the 147.045 repeater (+/- 600kHz, PL=100Hz). The net presents a unique learning opportunity for area amateurs, as well as a forum for exchanging the latest amateur news. Please check in each week and join this worthwhile net. If you're just visiting the area, please feel free to join us...

Note that some nets are training nets, where local and visiting amateurs can learn the latest emergency handling techniques, as well as helpful operating tips for their home and mobile station. Other nets are "rag chew," and topics can cover the broad range of interest from those who participate. The schedule listed, below, is "good" through April, 2006. Thanks go to Albert, W1AJP, for updating the schedule for us.
 

DATE

WHO

CALL

TYPE

06 Feb 12	Tim	N2BMF	RC
13 Feb 12	Rich	WB2RUM	Training
20 Feb 12	Ben	N1UKK	RC
27 Feb 12	Ann Mary	AB1CH	Training
Return to top

Click Net Control Proceedure to download the latest GMWS/ARES District 6 NCS operating instructions.

---

PREZ SEZ for February, 2012

I was sad to learn that Roger Anderson, KB1NWS, has passed away. He was always happy to help at field day and our public service events. He seemed immune to frustration, and always had a friendly
word for everyone. We will miss him.

Thanks to Frank, Bob, and Chris for running the licensing class. I've been to some of the sessions, and the students seem to like the class. I think the newcomers will be a good bunch of hams.

There is a directory of Vermont hams, clubs, and repeaters that is published in conjunction with the HAM-CON which is February 25th. The society has not made arrangements to buy a batch and sell
them at our meetings, so if you want one, contact a society member who will be going and have them pick one up for you. Mitch Stern, W1SJ, hopes to hold last year's price of $5 but it will depend on printing costs.

Frank has been prodding us to get the Red Cross radio room equipped with a couple of antennas for the Vermont QSO Party, which starts 7PM EST Friday night February 3rd and ends 7PM EST
Sunday night February 5th. Stay tuned for antenna party dates.

There is a solar storm today (January 25th), and similar activity is expected to continue. The Wall Street Journal is predicting aurora being visible as far south as Alabama tonight. Some minor radio and
GPS disruptions are expected, and Delta Airlines is rerouting some trips away from the North Pole. So turn on those HF radios and find out what weird stuff is happening.

Be safe during the coldest month of winter.

Gerry WY2Y

 MEETING MINUTES for JANUARY, 2012

REGULAR MEETING OF GREEN MOUNTAIN WIRELESS SOCIETY, RED CROSS BUILDING, 117 STRONGS AVE., RUTLAND, VT. JANUARY 10, 2012.

1. Pres. Gerry WY2Y called meeting to order
2. 2: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. 3. INTRODUCTIONS: Introductions went around the room. A good turnout of 13 members present.
4. 4. OFFICERS REPORTS:
4.1. SECRETARY Minutes Approval: MM Janet KB1SDR & 2nd Chris N6EUP to approve December minutes as published in KKs approved.
4.2. TREASURERTreas. Dave KD6RA reported Balance of accounts as $537.68MM and 2nd to accept the report as presented approved.
4.3. PRESIDENT REPORT
4.3.1 NE Cabinet meeting primarily was an opportunity to meet league officials; vulnerability of our bands above 2-meters was mentioned. ITU might provide allocation below 500 kHz but FCC probably will not give an allocation.
4.3.2 Alumni Field has been obtained for Field Day.
4.3.3 Pres Gerry presented club with ideas for purchasing logo buttons and such.
VE TEAM Frank W1AD reported on class attendance there are 7-8 people 3-4 taking General upgrade and balance studying Tech level. Mention one student Ron M. used to be a code reader from Mid-way he is studying to be a Tech.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5.1 Mike wondered with John N1HLG being gone how he could get access to the tower base. He was told John had it last. Jan KB1DSR mentioned we have not heard much from the people handling the estate. The main person lives out of state. Frank pondered how much used radio equipment is worth as compared to the value of the user. Especially when one has mostly vintage stuff. He suggested Rudy has experience buying and selling equipment.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1. Gerry reported on a note from Mitch about HamCom that will be in South Burlington. It has moved to near the UVM exit Eastbound on Route #2. There will be more room, more exhibitors and better parking. HAM COM: Purchase of directory advertisement and/or bulk order. Purchasing an ad for $45 as we have in years past was discussed and approved. Mitch has camera-ready copy. All that would be needed is to change officer information. MM and carried to allow $45 toward the purchase of an advertisement. The bulk order of directories was discussed and mention was made of how often the club cannot sell all the copies that are purchased. It was decided that the club would not purchase a bulk number of directories in advance. If someone wants a directory, they can either purchase one at HamCom or have someone pick one up for them. MM and carried to dismiss the purchase of extra directories.
6.2. MM to adjourn by Chris6EUP. All agreed.
PROGRAM: Frank W1AD and Gerry N1YTY put on a very good presentation. Using Franks antenna analyzer and Gerrys SWR meter, they tested a Twin Lead Slim Jim J-pole constructed by Ron KE2SD for Ann Mary AB1CH during her temporary stay in New York a few years back. Rudy mentioned that having a pacemaker he had to be careful (and thus we should be careful) of being near to such items when they are being operated in a near position as it can cause medical problems. It is never a good idea to operate with an antenna indoors and when testing or operating, one must be very aware of the surroundings and possible side effects of stray RF energy

Respectfully submitted, Ann Mary AB1CH, GMWS Secretary

---

Return to top